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What Diana’s Apartment Looks Like Today!!!

While I was writing the story about Prince Harry and Meghan’s engagement, I came upon some photos of Kensington Palace, where “The Trio” both live and work. “The Trio” are what William, Kate, and Harry are affectionately known as at Kensington Palace. Now, of course, that nickname will have to change since Harry is marrying, except “The Quad” doesn’t have quite the same ring as “The Trio.”

One of Harry & Meghan’s Official Engagement Photos

The Trio share offices at the old apartment at Kensington Palace, where William & Harry grew up, mostly with Diana, and also, earlier with Charles. Diana and Charles lived in two combined apartments in Kensington Palace, #8 and #9. Originally they had just one apartment, which proved too small for children, staff and security.

Princess Diana wearing emeralds that were loaned to her for life – from the Queen.

After Diana passed away, the royals took a year to clear out her apartment, stripping away all traces of the Princess. Furniture and personal items were given to family and friends, some were put in storage. Other valuable items such as paintings and antiques on loan from the Royal Trust were given back. Her jewelry which was on loan for her lifetime by the Queen, was also all returned.

The apartments stood empty for years until Prince Charles used them as offices, including letting his Royal Drawing School use the apartment for studio space. Later, when William and Kate lived in Nottingham Cottage, they would see nude models in the windows – posing for drawing lessons!!! The Royal Drawing School was later moved to another location and the #8 & 9 offices were remodeled for William and Harry’s charities and royal duties. The larger apartment of #8 & 9 was turned into their office space and reception rooms while the second smaller apartment was rented to a member of the royal staff as his personal home.

When writing Harry’s engagement story – I realized that I actually recognized many of the these newly renovated offices as the old, happy rooms where Diana and her two boys had lived. A few days after she died, her butler and close friend Paul Burrell took photographs of her apartment and those pictures are invaluable today to remember how Diana had lived at Kensington Palace.

It must be very strange for the boys to return to their old family house, even though it has been remodeled, it is still the same house.

I think it’s a fascinating story of royalty and renovation!!

Enjoy!

I love this rare photo of Diana outside her apartment, with Nottingham Cottage behind her. She is holding hands with a visitor in a wheelchair who was there for the International Spinal Research Trust of which Diana was a patron.

There are not that many photos of the façade of the apartment where Diana and her boys lived and later, where her boys’ charity offices are today. Here is the front door to Apartment 8 & 9, the combined two apartments were Diana lived. There was the first floor for staff and security, then the main floor which was on the second level, and on the third/attic level was the nursery and more staff rooms. Their neighbors to the left were Prince and Princess Michael who still live there today. And further on, is a locked door that leads to the main, original Palace which is open to the public. Early in the morning, Diana used to put on her rollerblades (remember those?) and go through that locked door to skate around the public parklands – shocking those who were lucky enough to recognize her.

A rare photo of Diana and a friend. Her house is on the right, along with Princess Michael’s. Behind Diana is a secret garden, completely hidden behind the ivy. The garden is actually assigned to Princess Michael’s apartment – but Diana was given sole use of the secret garden while she was alive.

After Diana passed away a poignant story was revealed: her best friend had tragically given birth to a stillborn baby and Diana insisted that the baby be buried in the secret garden, insuring that her friend could privately visit the grave whenever she wanted.

And, to the very left of Diana, not in the photo, is Nottingham Cottage, where Prince Harry and Meghan live now. Their windows look out on the windows of Harry’s childhood home.

When William, Kate and Harry took over Apt. #8&9 for their offices, they moved the front door to the back door. Instead of having streams of people wandering around the private apartments – the route to enter the offices was changed to what was once Diana’s back service door. Today, visitors to the Princes’ offices now begin their trip at the public state rooms – where the red arrow starts. They walk through the courtyard behind Princess Michael’s apartment through an adjoining door into Princess Diana’s courtyard. There, under the archway – they enter the door to the Princes’ offices – the door that was once the back service door to Diana’s apartment. To facilitate this movement of visitors – an overhang was built in Princess Michael’s courtyard so that the guests were not exposed to the elements.

An Even Closer View:

A close up photo of Diana’s apt on the right and Princess Michael’s next to it. NOW – notice on the roof of Diana’s apartment in the red circle – an umbrella!! The family used the roof as a sunny garden spot and a place to picnic!!!! I had never noticed the roof garden before!! Now - Notice across the street from Princesses Diana’s and Michael’s – the secret garden. Princess Michael uses the secret garden exclusively now – she put in a long pond in the center of the lawn and restored the loggia. And finally – across from Diana’s front door is the tiny Nottingham Cottage or NottCott as it is called, where Harry & Meghan live.

Diana’s #8 & 9: The front door enters a lobby with an interior door that blocks cold, windy air from entering the interior of the house.

The section of the palace where Diana’s apartment is was built by King George I for his mistress, the Duchess of Kendal. That’s the beautiful couple, above!!! As my Aunt Janice always said – “there’s someone for everyone!!”

Seriously though – portraits were notorious for making people look so much prettier than they truly were. Poor Duchess of Kendal!

During WWII the apartment was bombed and it was left empty until it was restored in 1981 for Charles & Diana.

And yes, they did decorate for Christmas as seen here. Above the black door are the traditional gas lamps seen at Kensington Palace.

Here Diana and her lady-in-waiting at the front door. Behind you can see there is an arched wall and mirrors.

Terrible photo!!!! The entry leads to a barrel ceiling hall. Portieres are in the lobby.

The barrel ceiling entry leads to a large lobby with a skirted table, desk, and bench. The guest cloak room is seen through the door. After the divorce and before she died – Diana and her original decorator Dudley Poplak freshened up the apartment. It was once all peach and pink and creams until it was upgraded to daffodil yellow, golds, and creams. The green and peach rug was replaced with this newer beige version. The new updated decor was never finished. Diana saw some refurbished rooms only once before she died.

The view across the lobby – leads to the central stairs. These go up from the basement to second floor. Another lobby leads to a second stairway that goes up to the attic level. At that lobby, there was a elevator hidden behind a bookcase/false door.

The stairs lead up to Diana’s sitting room and Drawing room – off to the right. Straight off the landing is the TV room or Charles’ former sitting room. To the left is the elevator and stairs to the attic level. Notice the molding on the walls.

Diana’s portrait. She expected this would one day hang in Buckingham Palace. Instead, it is now at Althorp, her family’s estate.

Now, I will show you how different her apartment looks today! I have researched this extensively – to the best of my ability. I could be wrong about certain details (which will KILL me if I am!!! LOL) But, this is the best I could do without touring the private offices myself.

Today, Diana’s former apartment is used for receptions and meetings and offices. Large groups of people come and mingle and then either William, Harry, Kate or all three, are ushered in. The royals talk with the guests and then take a few photos. Other times, they have longer meetings, more serious events – around a large dining table which is moved from room to room as needed.

And as shown before - here is the route visitors now take to the Princes’ offices. Guests first enter the original palace, go through the side door to the first courtyard behind Princess Michael’s apartment, then they go through a door to the second courtyard to the back door of the Diana’s old apartment. Recently, an overhang was built in the first courtyard to protect guests from the elements.

After each event or reception, the guests are taken out to the courtyard (probably on the way to leaving!) and a photo is taken with the Royals. If the weather is bad, the photo is taken inside. These courtyards need to be landscaped. They are rather stark, except for this one lone magnolia tree. There is an old wishing well, too.

A photo in the courtyard with a team of athletes that came to visit. Surrounding the courtyard are other apartments, smaller ones – that are given to important members of the staff to live in – called a “Grace and Favor” apartment.

Here The Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess leave the back door of the apartment, then they walk across the courtyard to their own apartment – over the next courtyard.

After this reception was over and photos were taken in the courtyard, the couple walked across to the other side to reach their own private apartment, located in yet another courtyard.

The double doors at the end of this arched walkway leads to the first courtyard behind Princess Michael’s apartment and then onto the palace parklands. The back door to Diana’s apartment is to the left of these double doors.

Here Prince Harry and Robin Roberts pose in front of the double doors before entering the back door to the offices for their television interview.

And here, the two Princes walk into the back door, which is now considered the front door, to the ground floor lobby – greeting their guests, including the actress Rita Ora.

Before, when Diana lived here, this was the back door – where the butler would work and tradespeople would come. An extra refrigerator was stored here, along with a mail cubbyhole station.

And here is the stairway. It has been lightened – the bannister is a lighter stain, as are the floorboards. The walls are now a soft celadon.

Here, an agreement is signed in the stair lobby. Remember this stairway?

Under Diana’s ownership – the walls were daffodil yellow with bright white trim.

When the apartment was bombed during WWII – this staircase was damaged and all the beautiful trim had to be restored.

Today, the walls are a soothing celadon and the trim is cream, not bright white. There are new crystal sconces.

And another view – of the newly polished floorboards – where there used to be wall to wall carpet. From this landing, you can enter most of the reception rooms in the house. The open door leads to what was once Diana’s blue and pink sitting room.

At the front façade of the apartment, are a row of windows. On this enfilade are Diana’s former sitting room, the drawing room, and then the dining room. Off the dining room was a butler’s pantry. The drawing room has three windows, while the other rooms have two each. The pantry had one window overlooking the front façade.

The Drawing Room is at the center of the two front rooms. Along one wall was a large original tapestry, an antique settee sat in front of it. The room is so large, the piano looks dwarfed. Across the room flanking the fireplace are two green sofas.

This room overlooks Nottingham Cottage where Prince Harry lives today. The room is filled with antiques. It all looks dated today – but with new fabrics, and a new rug it would easily look wonderful. Sigh…..

The walls are upholstered in silk, not wallpapered and it was deemed too expensive to change this in the redecoration. The painting above the fireplace is different here – this must be something that Charles got in the divorce. He requested several paintings and a few pieces of antique furniture. Diana said “no” to him asking for a series of watercolors of their sons’ christenings and their wedding. Interesting.

You can see how beautiful the silk shades were. This door leads to her siting room.

I love this antique settee. I wonder what happened to it? Most likely either Charles took it or it was returned to the Trust. The tapestry is another mystery. Notice the gilt consoles that flank the settee - you will see those again later!

A rare photo of the back wall with a French antique desk, chair, and a gorgeous painting – which is no longer there.

Charles must have wanted this Italian painting, also. Not that I blame him!

Later, in a terrible photo taken from a documentary – you can see the Italian painting is gone, replaced with this one. Hmmm…

After her divorce, Diana told author Ingrid Seward she was not allowed to sell anything – antiques or jewelry.

Darling. This piano will be seen again….

In this photo – you can clearly see the ribbon trim that lined the silk fabric wallcovering.

The Drawing Room is between the two other main rooms of Apt. #8&9: the Dining Room and Diana’s Sitting Room:

The Dining Room was painted red at a later date. It always looked like it needed an update to me. The table cloth was terrible and the rug was so dated. I’m sure in the 80s and 90s – it was pretty.

The open door leads into the Butler’s Pantry where butler Paul Burrell would work. In his book, he said that he would sit in his pantry and through the enfilade – he could see three rooms down to the other side of the house where Diana would be in her sitting room, at her desk, working.

Another view - this open door leads into the Drawing Room.

A much earlier photo shows the room as it should be – with beautiful cream walls. So much prettier!!! I love that painting. The windows overlook the cottages, including Nottingham Cottage. Not sure why or when the walls were painted red, but the difference between the two wall colors is amazing.

Today:

Are either of these two rooms, the Dining Room and the Drawing Room, used today as offices? I can’t find any photos of these two rooms used for either receptions or meetings, even though it is reported that the Drawing Room is.

Perhaps the Drawing Room will be used only for large, dressy affairs and as of now, that hasn’t occurred. Or perhaps, these two rooms will not be used by the Princes.

The only photo I could find of the Drawing Room used after Diana lived here was when the Prince’s Royal Drawing School used the rooms at Apt. 8 & 9 for studio and gallery space, as seen above. This photo came from an old brochure for the Royal Drawing School. You can see most of all the furniture was removed but the rug remained and a set of sconces were added around the room.

I’ll bet that they would have gotten a rash of students if they only knew they would be painting in Diana’s famous apartment!

So if the Dining Room and Drawing Room are not being used by the Princes, what rooms ARE being used?

First, there is the Princess’s Sitting Room, which is off the Drawing Room. This room was used by Diana as her personal office and library and sitting room. It was redecorated right before her death and she saw this room redone – only one time. The pink sofas were recovered in cream and an antique bench was added instead of a coffee table. The curtains were also updated. But, since the walls were upholstered, not wallpapered, they were left as is.

This view shows the newly recovered sofa, in cream, and the new bench bought. Her desk was moved from the window to the back wall.

Before – the sofas were pink. Later they were recovered in pink stripes. Behind the sofa was a large bookcase and later, a bar cart. This was taken before there was a dhurri rug. I always loved this decor! The bullseye antique mirror disappeared some time later – right before she passed away.

Before – an early view of the blue curtains which were exchanged for more tailored blue curtains.

And here is the sitting room today. It is one of the more frequently used reception rooms by the Princes’ charitiesssssssssssssssssss

Today: The door opens off the stair landing. The carpet was removed and dark hardwoods underneath were polished and an area rug was added. The fabric on the walls was removed and they were painted a soft gray with a deeper gray on the wainscot.

An antique mirror was placed above the beautiful white marble mantel, which was left untouched. To the right is a console and two lamps with fabric shades.

I don’t understand why the landing floorboards were stained a light tone but the floors in the other rooms were stained dark?

This view shows the large oil painting that hangs above the console with the two lamps.

The beautiful crown molding looks much more vibrant today without the busy fabric on the walls. And without all the sitting room furniture – a large number of people can fit inside what is really a large room. Along the side wall on the left is an extra large oil painting. Before – Diana kept one of her tall bookcases on this wall.

For some meetings if needed, a conference table is set up in the middle of the old “sitting room:”

The door to the right of the console with the lamps leads into Diana’s Drawing Room.

In this photo – you can see an Oriental rug was placed down on the dark floorboards. So much prettier than the wall to wall carpet.

On the back wall – there is a large oil painting flanked by two sconces. You can see the brass railings that were placed around the room to hang paintings from so that the walls remain pristine – without nail holes.

Here is a larger view of the painting which is so interesting. On this day, Kate was an guest editor of the Huffington Post!

Hard to believe this was once Diana’s pink and blue sitting room!

Here is a view of the conference table and the console table. The two windows in this room run along the front of Apt. 8 & 9. I love the painting of the soldier on the horse.

We know that Diana had a Sitting Room, did Charles?

Yes, Charles had his own sitting room, which was located behind Diana’s sitting room and along the back side of the Drawing Room. The windows in Charles’ sitting room overlook the internal courtyard – not the front of the apartment as the three main rooms do. I’m sure this room was darker because of this. After the divorce, the room became William and Harry’s TV room. So that the boys would feel secure, Diana kept all his furniture as it was – green sofa, two red checked chairs, a library table and dhurri rug, along with two lime green lamps. Of course, the room was a mess – it was used by two teenaged boys!!! And as always, the room had terrible wall to wall carpet. Notice that the marble mantel is a much darker variety than found in the Drawing Room and Diana’s own Sitting Room.

The room differed from Diana’s in that the wall trim was much more pronounced here. The walls themselves had trim placed on them – acting as frames.

If the room looks familiar – you might remember it was here that the famous documentary with Martin Bashir was filmed. “There were three in the marriage….” was the most famous quote from that documentary.

The room was tidied up a bit for the filming – and the two green antique chairs used in the Drawing Room and Sitting Room were borrowed for the documentary.

And Today:

Here is Charles’ Sitting Room today! The terrible wall to wall carpet was removed and the beautiful floorboards were polished and stained dark. An Oriental rug was laid over the newly refinished floor. The walls were painted a soft and dark taupe. The wall trim is painted the same color as the walls. New traditional brass sconces provide light.

This was an exciting find!!! An artist from the Royal Drawing School painted Charles’ Sitting Room when he was studying in the studio. He really captured the beauty of the empty room, including the mystery of the adjoining library.

A close up of the dark marble mantel.

I wish we had photos of the rooms without all the people in it!! But here, you can see the paneled doors with beautiful architrave – flanking a gilt painting framed by the wall trim.

Another wall shows a smaller painting also framed by the wall molding.

The Princes have access to the Royal Collection Trust – and all the paintings they could ever want. Since William will one day be KING – he is probably allowed to borrow whatever he wants for his offices and homes.

The two former Sitting Rooms are larger rooms – when a table is needed, either room can be used. Here, Kate holds a meeting in Charles’ Sitting Room.

And it was in Charles’ sitting room that this interview took place, with the lamps borrowed from Diana’s sitting room!

The next reception room is not one ever seen before – but it’s on the ground floor, with the windows that overlook the front of Apt. #8&9

The room is on the ground floor, so the ceilings are lower and the windows are smaller. Plus the mantel is very simple. The floor is carpeted and the walls have a block trim paneling, painted in two tones of taupe.

The room has had a variety of furnishings during the past years that the room has been used by the Princes. But, recently it was properly furnished, by a designer. Who? We don’t know!! Originally, they used these two beige chairs, a green sofa that was in Charles Sitting Room, a green coffee table and this brownish rug.

One piece of furniture, seen at the far left, looks like it was from Linley, made by Princess Margaret’s son Lord David Linley – who is also William’s cousin. Perhaps it was a wedding present?

Today: The new decor has a peach tufted ottoman/coffee table and two taupe covered antique sofas. The pillow fabric is repeated in a skirted table, not seen here.

At least they got rid of that brown rug!

There’s also an antique cabinet and a selection of old oil paintings.

There are now two newly covered pink chairs with green pillows. You can see the skirted table at the far left.

The new decor is such an improvement over the old decor mishmash. Very English – it reminds me of William & Kate’s apartment, just not nearly as fancy.

The old decor – but you can see the two windows that overlook Nottingham Cottage – out the front side of the apartment.

The old decor with Charles’ old green sofa and the Linley desk.

And the engagement video took place in that same reception room – with the windows that look out over their own cottage.

And…at another apartment in Kensington Palace….

Before the Obamas left office, they paid a state visit to London where the Cambridges welcomed them to their just recently renovated apartment, #1a – albeit a 21+ room apartment!!

It was the very first glimpse into their new decor and it remains one of the few times the camera has been invited inside.

The former Drawing Room was once a vivid blue when Princess Margaret lived here. Today it is a soothing cream, along with the flat carpet underneath. Layered on top is a muted area rug.

I’m totally in love with this apartment and would move in, bringing only my toothbrush, if that. But I might have to change out the wall to wall carpet!! I adore the antique French gilt chairs in a blue and white fabric. The oil paintings are beautiful and I love the mix of the subtle contemporary touches with the old.

The decor is perfect for the young Royals – a mix of the old and the new. The bank of windows over looks their private garden. Notice that gilt console?

Does it look familiar?

And to the left of the sofa – is the second matching gilt console. Those came from Diana’s Drawing Room!! I think the piano also came from Diana’s apartment.

Those are just the two things that I noticed, but I wonder how much else was originally Diana’s? These sofas? Any of the lamps? The chairs?

Actually the more I look at these sofas, I think they WERE Diana’s!!

The only difference I can see is the channeling on the back of the sofas – but that could be done when reupholstering them.

And here is the Drawing Room – with the gilt consoles, one of a pair, now at the Cambridge’s apartment, along with Diana’s piano. I wonder where the tapestry and the settee went to??? Are these chairs the new pink ones in the Princes offices – on the ground floor? Do you see anything else passed down?

Years ago, Princess Margaret and her then husband Lord Snowden posed for this photo in the garden in front of their apartment #1a at Kensington Palace. A brick wall protects the apartment from visitors, but people could still enter the private garden. Recently the palace added over 800 ft. of bushes and gates to create more privacy for William and Kate and other residences living in Kensington Palace.

The Cambridges took a family photo that reminds me so much of the one above that Princess Margaret and her family took. You can see there is some additional fencing added to the top of the brick wall.

Over 800’ of bushes were planted to hide the Cambridge family from the eyes of tourists. There were already new gates put in, but people could still see into parts of their property. The couple had been living in Anmer Hall, their far away country home, full time. But now, with George in school, and with William taking on more royal duties, their main home base is now at Kensington Palace.

AND finally….you may have seen this. The house where Prince Harry’s intended Meghan Markel lived in in Toronto was recently put up for sale.

We had seen photos of the house on Meghan’s Instagram, but she didn’t actually own the house. It was owned by a friend of hers – a fashion designer that currently lives in NYC. Meghan rented the house from her friend and it was said that her TV show SUITS paid the rent. Must be nice!! It must have been quite a steep price because the asking price for it is so high – close to $1,500,000.

The house is located in a trendy area of Toronto called Seaton Village.

The back yard is actually large for a house that is only 40’ wide. It has a deck that needs to be stained. This area could be a knock-out with proper garden design.

BEFORE: Meghan is a very talented photographer! She made her backyard look like a gorgeous oasis.

The house was cleared out and painted – new curtains were hung, and then new furnishings from a stager were moved in.

The house is just 40’ wide so the living room is tiny. I love how they furnished it – for a younger, hip couple, not some couple that could be Royal. What? Wait!! She WILL be Royal!!!!

This decor is quite a different look than what the Cambridges have at Kensington Plaza.

The big question is – which decor will Harry and Meghan prefer – this or that????

BEFORE: Across from the living room in the foyer – Meghan had an organic wood console where she placed flowers, bought weekly.

BEFORE: I love the way Meghan decorated her foyer with this console and flowers. While this looks great with her decor, it doesn’t look good with the stylists new decor. Her organic look doesn’t mix with their gray monotone contemporary look.

And the view to the back of the townhouse with the white staircase – with the one black accent wall.

BEFORE: Meghan used much more color than the stylists did. The red striped rug was a bright accent at the foyer.

Today: Above the sofa is a large modern piece of art.

BEFORE: Meghan has a slipcovered section covered with Turkish throws.

BEFORE: Rather than one large painting, Meghan had several smaller prints. In such a small space – I think I like the one larger painting – it looks more dramatic.

AFTER: The floors have been restained and look beautiful, don’t they? The table is going the correct direction – lengthwise, Meghan had it wrong. Love the big art work – it reminds me of one by William McClure, no? They kept the black wall that was there when Meghan lived here but put in new curtains and a new light fixture, which I don’t like as much as Meghan’s. And I much prefer Meghan’s marble tulip table to this one. Through the door you can see the kitchen with the built in bar and bar stools.

Before: Meghan’s black wall was highlighted by her large antique gilt and cream painted mirror.

Her table should have been turned the other way – but I like her table so much! Not the rug though – too chunky here! Her light fixture is nicer.

The kitchen – love the bar and light fixture. Again, this is for a young, hip couple that likes modern. Me? I have more of a Royal Taste. LOL!!!!

The guest room is small, with cute styling. Except – the mirror should be hung the other way!!

BEFORE: This is how Meghan styled her guest room. Just as cute.

The master is all gray with a large bay window. The decor fits in well with the living room and dining room. Very well done!!

Before: Meghan had a brown linen headboard and as always, lot of flowers. Truthfully – I think Meghan’s style is more in tune with life in the English countryside than the way they styled her old house. Meghan loves bright flowers and lots of textiles. The all gray look is not for her. She obviously has good taste – and her homes will be beautiful, I have no doubt at all. I just hope we get to see them!!!

Harry and Meghan’s new official engagement photo.

Her dress is said to retail at $75,000.00. I find that hard to believe!!! It’s couture, but still – that’s outrageous.

Finally, all this talk of the Royals made me think of this Christmas Card – from the Cambridge Family to us!!!!

Are they not the cutest family, ever???!!!!

Last comment I promise.

Princess Michael has always been the most disliked in-law in the royal family. Don’t believe me? Google her. She constantly puts her foot in her mouth and has always felt she was more royal than the royals. It’s been one scandal after another with her, but this last one takes the cake and I don’t think she will ever recover from it.

Driving up to meet the Queen for Christmas lunch – where Meghan Markel was making her debut at family events, the world noticed the pin that Princess Michael was wearing.

A blackamoor.

See it? While blackamoors are not unusual in the antiques/decor business, wearing one to meet the first African-American to marry into the royal family is just plain dumb, mean, rude, stupid, racist….care to add your own adjective?

UNREAL!!!!!!

After social media went crazy – she issued an apology and said she will never wear the pin again.

Actually, she didn’t say this – a Royal Spokesman said it for her. Sure.

I can’t believe this was an accident, just an “oops!”

What a horrid woman she is. I can’t imagine what Meghan felt when she was introduced to her.

That pin is HUGE. Princess Michael claimed to be “distressed” over wearing this “gift” that she has worn many times before, without incident.

Yeah. Well….time to get rid of it, “PRINCESS.”

I cannot believe this.

On a lighter note:

Here’s wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everybody!!! But who knows, I might slip back in and say “Hellooooooo!!” again before New Years!!!!

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Joni, thank you so much for this post and the one about When Harry met Meghan. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed both and boy do I hope somehow.....someway....we get to see some of Meghan's homes. I am just floored about Princess Michael. I tend to follow the royals and haven't really read much about her. Perhaps I should not waste my time as she sounds like an awful person. After watching Meghan and Harry's interview and following Meghan's instagram before she stopped.....I would venture a guess that she was sweet as can be to this horrible woman, despite the ridiculous pin. Thank you again for these posts. I have enjoyed them and I am sure will enjoy them again during my Holiday break Merry Christmas!

Joni, that Blackamoor brooch is from Nardi’s Jewelers, one of the oldest and aside from Codgnato, a most exquisite jewel box of a store in the arcade of the historic Piazza San Marco. A must for almost 100 years, The Blackamoor is their symbol, as that of Venice. In this instance I agree with you...she wore it too send a worldwide message, an intentional comment meant for the world-press, regarding a beautiful young woman shining moment, who has found love with someone who just happens to be a Royal Prince, one who lost his mother on the world stage, who held his head high and learned too suppress the grief on that long long long silent walk oh so many years ago...I can still hear the silence but for the wailing of the crowds. All over the world, his loss became our grief...one that should never visited upon a child. She a vile woman, long abhorred but for her husbands connection...somehow I feel Meghan and Harry are stronger than this ancient ornament of racism. Lets hope that we all enter 2018 with the pursuit of FREEDOM for all, too seek the TRUTH , the right to LOVE whom ones wishes too and the daily pursuit to find something of BEAUTY in one’s own life.

I didn't know the history of the pin, but thank you!!! she said she has worn it many many times, it was a gift. I don't recall ever seeing it on her before - I'm going to do a search though to be sure. Her father was in the SS. She told some AA in NYC to "remember the colonies" - whatever the colonies means. She hates Jews and I suppose blacks too though she claimed she didn't. Is her husband that clueless to let her leave like that - or did he truly not notice? I"m still shocked.

I have some reservations abt. Meghan and her motives. I just don't believe that she didn't know anything abt. Harry before she met him - that didn't ring true to me. But I read that Harry wanted someone who had been exposed to the world and adulation and that they could handle the attention and she truly can. It certainly looks like a love match. I hope so. He strikes me as such a sweet, humble man.

And "sweet humble" Harry wore a Nazi uniform to a "fancy dress" do as they call costume parties over there. Complete with armband. Did he borrow it from P. Mike's Vater? I'm certain it was an innocent error of judgement on the part of the young ginger prince, right, J.? Tsk!Pretty humorous in retrospect when paired with this. What other silly "errors in judgement" have they made?Let's all have a Blog Comments Party bringing up past faux pas of the Royals! I make them all the time, but I'm not in The Daily Mail everyday, and I don't have a ladies maid helping me get dressed. You would think they have people to help them with this stuff. When you are ensconced in that world, you really don't seem to know what the current deal is out in the rest of the universe, huh? And I like Harry, but I think he's in for a real whirlwind in his life. It'll be all fun and games for awhile as he and MM try to save the world with their good works. Until it all goes sideways.

Thank you for that wonderful post! I loved the history and the before/after comparisons. You have such a wonderful eye that is always documented by your detailed articles. I'm looking forward to a wonderful 2018 reading your posts.

Good work. What fun this is. A few years ago Apt 1 which had been Princess Margaret's was open on tour. It was rather sad with a "library" in 1970s "modern." Of course, nothing dates so much as what was in style 30 years ago.

Your comment about Princess Michael of Kent that she was being insensitive and racist is not true. Many famous people have owned Blackamoor jewelry and art. In fact one of the Pointer Sisters (who is Afro-American) owns some as did Grace Kelly. Please read this: http://www.gaslampantiques.com/magazine/features.php?article=484

"Many famous people have owned Blackamoor jewelry," as you said. Yes, have owned is past tense, and maybe they still own it, but it is now considered racist, so most people aren't doing that anymore.There are people who collect various black-related memorabilia from the past, including black people, but they don't wear it pinned to their lapel normally these days. If a black person chose to do that, I suppose that's another matter. Perhaps one of the black readers here might comment on that.My Japanese friend told me years ago that it was rude for people to wear jackets that have pictures of Japanese women on the back and also scarves with the same. I had thought they were complimentary because they were so beautiful, but I'm not Japanese. To me those things were not as obvious as the blackamoors.

This was just too much. I spent hours looking at images of PM dressed up and never once saw that pin. I saw her wear lots of pins, over and over again, but never that one. I think it was intentional - a statement of what she feels about Meghan. Just my opinion.

There are no coincidences. I agree with Joni. It was intentional. PM is racist and full of herself. Queen Elizabeth is reported to have said, "She is too grand for us," about Princess Michael. Incidentally, Kate and William went to great lengths to avoid possibly offending President and Michele Obama when they paid a visit to the couple's residence. A plaque with the name of a painting "The Negro Page," was removed in haste and a plant placed in front of it to cover the void when a helper noticed it just prior to the Obama's arrival. Joni, you might enjoy the details about the William and Kate's apartment discussed in this link. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3558623/Royals-hide-word-negro-palace-painting-Obama-visit.html Another interesting aside is that Pricess Michael is a trained interior designer. You might want to see if you can retrieve pictures of her apartment for which now she and her husband pay rent to the tune of approximately $150,000.00 per year.

Regarding the painting "The Negro Page":I hope we don't have to get rid of all paintings with black people in them now. Or will it be okay if they just change the name of the painting? I kind of believe that we won't be totally "post-racial" until we would see a beautiful painting that is 350 years old and not get upset by the name or subject because... it is 350 YEARS OLD. It wasn't named or painted last week. Shouldn't we be advanced enough to put things in historical perspective? And it is beautiful. Is the correct thing to get rid of all the paintings with black people in them? But is it just the name of the painting that's bad? Oh, and the idea that he's in a servant position. But it's bad to display the painting now, correct? Or not? Or can only black people have paintings of black people in their homes?White opinions probably don't mean anything on these sort of topics, so if any black person reads this blog would they please opine?

Anonymous, December 26. I did not say anything against the painting being named "The Negro Page." I was very aware that it was an antique from the 1,600's. I think it is a master piece. I was exclusively commenting on how overly careful Will & Kate's household was in not taking the smallest chance of offending their guests and juxtaposing this behavior to that of Princess Michael. To answer your questions directly -- mind you, I am white -- It is not correct to get rid of all the paintings with black people in them. The name of the painting is not bad considering when it was named. As for the black boy being a servant... there are white people who are servants, too. It is not bad to display the painting. Anyone can have paintings of black people. You took my sharing the fact that the plaque with the name of the painting was removed out of context. Personally, I do not think the Obama's would be insulted by the painting and its name. The hosts were being much too cautious. One of my favorite paintings belonged to a Jewish friend of mine. It is of a poor black boy taken on a street in Baltimore. She was so proud of that painting because that little poor boy had become a famous surgeon. Many of us can guess who he is.

To Leticia Crawford:I did not take your comment as you having said anything bad at all concerning the painting.I was only making my own observations and questions concerning it after you had brought up the painting.Thanks for letting me clear that up.

Correcting myself: the painting of the poor black boy shows him in the streets of Detroit. He lives in the Baltimore area and was a famous pediatric neurosurgeon at John Hopkins. He is now retired and involved in politics (unfortunately.) Regardless, he is an extraordinary example of an individual overcoming all seemingly insurmountable life obstacles.

Good for him, Leticia!Goes to show once again that people who make good choices in life and choose good rather than stupid, (i.e. drugs, thievery, killing people, etc.) can rise above their circumstances and make something of themselves.

Thank you for this post. I don't need to add much to the preceding comments but just one thing. The friend in the photos with Diana was Sri Chinmoy who was an Indian spiritual leader and the head of the Meditation Council at the United Nations. Wishing you a lovely holiday season. B

PS: Here is the link to Nardi regarding the piece: http://www.nardi-venezia.com/en/dettaglio-categoria-gioielli-46-The-original-Nardi-Moretto.html

Why do you refer to Meghan as African-American? Why not refer to her as Caucasian-American? Is one half of her more important than the other half? We MUST stop identifying everyone primarily by their race/ethnicity. Furthermore, even if Meghan receives an HRH title, she will not "become royal". She will be no more royal than you or me. No one is "royal". I loved Princess Diana and appreciate the history of these buildings, but the way you fawn over these people baffles me. As for Meghan, I am sorry, but I do not think she is genuine. You should not be a spokesperson for the UN on poverty and then buy (and yes, she did buy it) a $75,000 gown. It's so hypocritical! Look at Diana's engagement photos....she was actually titled, from a very wealthy family, and she wore a blue button down shirt. It is as if Meghan is going to play "princess" for awhile.

Sometimes race is important. Certain news outlets were reluctant a while back to say the race of criminals when we were supposed to be keeping an eye out for them. They would give the height, hair color, etc., but not say the race unless they were white. It was ridiculous. How can you locate a murderer or robber without the race? I notice that has changed back now, thank goodness.It might be interesting to black people that MM is black because they may see that as progress in the world, but I'm not black so I don't know for sure.

I think she refers to herself that way - she is very proud of her heritage. And don't get on me for that - everyone is referring to it. From a family that was forced to have their king give up his crown because he wanted to marry a divorce - they have come a long way.

The Duke of Windsor, as he became known, was forced to give up his crown because he was a Nazi sympathizer and would have become a puppet controlled by Hitler. Had Hitler won, the Duke would have negotiated with Hitler to get back the crown. Wallis Simpson is only part of the story.

It was rude, insensitive and crass to wear the brooch. I don't like them and never have but I doubt Meghan Markle would have even seen it. The brooch is pinned to Princess Michael's coat and, unless she does as the Queen does and transfers the brooch from coat to dress on arrival anywhere, the only people to have seen it would have been the servants taking her coat on arrival and returning it to her on departure.

This need to continually berate people with insults and heckling reminds me of spectators at the guillotine. Especially at the time of year when we're preaching goodwill to all it doesn't show anyone in a good light, there are better and more civil ways to get a point across. Two wrongs don't make a right.

I agree with you on several levels, but I do feel like this woman wore the brooch on purpose, and being older, did not really realize how big her crass dig would go with the internet. The #metoo people are taking down people viciously also, just because these people have said certain things that aren't agreed with, such as all violations are equal, which they are not.

What a coincidence - she just happens to wear that pin on that day. Never saw her wear it before. If someone can find a photo of her wearing it - send the url along. and the Royal spokesman issued the apology. She hasn't personally been seen saying it.

The yellow in Diana's era look so garish compared to today's greige. How tastes change. Similar with the clothes--so much less firm-fitting for Diana. And all the flats and sensible heels. William, Kate and Harry seem to have a really close friendship. Meghan is lucky to join them. Wishing them all the best!

Addressing Joni's query as to whether Princess Diana's sofa's were altered for current use in the drawing room---they don't appear to be quite the same. Note the termination of arms. Curved in the green "Diana" version, straight in the "William & Kate" room. But all of this is nothing compared with the flurry over Princess Michael of Kent's decision to wear a blackamoor brooch on the occasion of meeting Prince Harry's fiancé. I agree with the comment pointing out the simple fact that coats are generally removed before entering a luncheon party; and that the offending piece of jewellery would never be seen by Meghan or anyone else apart from the footman who took the coat of Princess Michael of Kent.Toby Worthington

I had a big puffy old chair with huge fat arms reworked and recovered, and when it was done, it was then a sleek, pared down, up-tp-date chair with arms that were much thinner and of a totally different shape than before. The back was different also. You would never recognize it as the old one. This was about 45 years ago. Sheila

Toby seems to be held in awe by a number of bloggers. It's funny. Who the heck is he? And how does he know those aren't the same sofas since expensive furniture is often recovered and reconfigured?C'mon Toby Worthington, spill. Sheila

Love your posts of intense research. I have traveled many times to Kensington Palace & have often wandered so many things you have answered. I do like that the two Princes are in the rooms of their youth making a huge difference in today's world. How wonderful that his ancient palace is so adaptable to today. Thank You Joni, Kindest regards & Best Wishes for a Bright New Year! Sherrill Kearney

Did you not watch the Invictus Games? I think it's incredible what Harry has done with those and brought the world's attention to them. Plus - you can see so much of his mother in him - he gets pure joy. Kissing the winner on their heads! He's really incredible. He has spent months in Africa, do good deeds. William less so - he is the heir of course. But remember what William did at the fire at the highrise? He also has his mother's touch. There is less of their father in them. Good thing that.

Joni: No, I did not watch the Invictus games. How many people in the U.S. did? Read about them though and saw Harry there. Harry's cute and is doing the right thing, but you're getting a bit too carried away.

Am I missing something here? Why are references made to "Princess Michael's" apartment? Is not Prince Michael of Kent the reason for this residence within Kensington Palace? Princess Michael is his wife, and would be most unlikely to occupy it if not for marrying into the family.

When you are married and you live somewhere together, it is normally referred to as the wife's apartment also. It's her home, too, as she's married to the old fart. Actually, it's technically neither of theirs if you want to get right down to it. They are both just tenants.

I agree that no one is "royal," however, Princess Kate continues to dazzle with her gracious approach to everything she does. I loved the variety of photos showing her doing everything from expressing admiration over a guest working on a computer to enjoying a day on the lawn with her family. I'm sure she has already told MM to ignore Princess M and just enjoy her sweet prince. It will be fun to see how Harry and Meghan decorate their apartment; I hope Meghan puts some "whimsical zip" into the place. The Toronto apartment was a bit boring, in my opinion. Thank you for this lovely post!

Joni, leaning on Harry "for strength"? Oh please! A self-proclaimed feminist needs to lean on her man "for strength"? If so, she is ill-suited for the position. Diana, Catherine, not even Fergie ever felt the need to do so. No, the truth is, that Meghan is constantly clinging to Harry. Look at the 3rd engagement photo. She is literally dragging him down and pulling him back. As far a looking great, didn't you see the photo of Meghan sticking her tongue out? Unbecoming and again, ill-suited. Also her coat was too long and too large. Read the comments on the DM. She is not going over well.

It would be nerve-racking to curtsy to the queen in public for the first time with the entire world watching whether or not you are a feminist. When she is seen clinging to him, she is probably nervous. Kate was probably nervous also in the beginning.When her tongue was out she was probably just licking dry lips in the cold. High-speed cameras catch every second and then they sell pics like this for lots of money when it was really just a millisecond in time.Her coat is just fine, and I'm sure she'll be in more bespoke soon, if that suits you better.

Joni 2:43 AM: "The Fab Four" always was, and always will be, The Beatles.Whichever blogger, or rag tabloid called them that stole it, thinking they were clever. They should make up their own moniker for this crew.Sheila

I appreciate that you want to give Ms. Markle the benefit of the doubt. But your speculation about lip-licking shows that you have not seen the photo. Her tongue is half-way out of her mouth, and not licking her lips. Her eyebrows are raised and she has the expression one would make if sticking out the tongue.

As far as Kate being nervous, no doubt she was, but somehow she managed without draping herself all over William.

OK correction: the walkway behind PMichael's apartment is NOT new!!! I was studying it again and it is just the original archway. The archway is built differently in this section than in PDIana's section. Sorry about that!!

Also I bought a very old - from the 20s magazine that has photos of Diana's apartment back then. As soon as it comes from England I'll scan the photos.

To see the old story on Princess Michael - I fixed it up. Fixed the old glitches with the photos, etc. Go HERE - https://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2013/08/royal-palaces-part-four.html

I just HATE when I say something and realize it is wrong. I really thought it looked added on and then I was looking at the aerial photos again and realized it was always like that - it was never changed. So I just hate when I write something that is wrong - it's really not a big deal. Unless you are as obsessive as I am.

It depends on how much "a little more" is. If "a little OCD" does not impair functioning at work or at home, then it has not crossed into the clinical area. Joni chose a funny way to say that she does not like to state something on the blog that is wrong and I responded with a funny phrase to mean she prefers to have the facts correct.

Believe me, OCD can alter your life even if it doesn't fit into what a doctor would call clinical.My husband's entire life, including desk, paper work, files, garage, everything in his world, is totally organized, labeled, and straightened. Girlfriends think this must be a wonderful thing. It's not. I like neatness, and I am neat, but the extent of it is maddening. The neatness seems great, but there's so much more to it. Lots of time is wasted on unnecessary stuff. My world is fairly tidy also, but I do something once after a quick decision, and then move on. I generally don't re-do stuff. I won't go into too much detail, but it can drive you crazy. Cutting the tail ends off of every saved receipt and bill; it goes on and on ad infinitum. If you don't live with someone like this you couldn't really get it.Thanks.

whoa. It does sound wonderful to be so organized = but I also have a family member who has ocd and her hands would be raw from washing. checking the fireplace every night 10 to 20 times is maddening. Only medicine has helped her.

and yes - it is a way to not think about things. to avoid real life issues. but at the same time - maybe it is just chemical, an imbalance.

cutting receipts - I feel so sorry for you. I can't imagine how hard it is to live that way.

Mattress Mac - in Houston - who owns a furniture store that you may have heard of - ? During Harvey he opened his stores, picked up stranded people in his trucks, let flood victims sleep on the beds in his stores, etc etc etc - he is incredible. his daughter is severly OCD. here is a tape of her talking about OCD. It's well worth listening to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArF-ljmQVy0

This blood is amazing. How do we go from interior design to OCD in a serious way? "A little OCD is a good thing," is a very old saying. I remember decades ago one of my professors saying that. It just means if someone tends to be organized, it is a good thing. Neither my former professor or I mean any disrespect. I have treated such cases which as with ALL brain disorders (some call it mental illness which I think it is a misnomer) it occurs in a continuum, from mild to severe. It causes untold anxiety. It also manifests itself in many forms: washing, cleaning, counting, touching, ordering, arranging, mental rituals, contamination fear, accidental harm to others (sometimes to self) fears, symmetry and exactness. Hording has been consider a form of OCD. And there is something else: Obsessive Compulsive PERSONALITY Disorder (it is not the same as OCD) but it also causes anxiety and often depression. All the obsessions and compulsions described are excessive and interfere with the normal functioning of the individual at home, work, school, and/or socially. Medication is not a panacea and it helps take the edge. Anonymous Jan 3 at 7:01 PM touched on something that I very much subscribe to. I am a firm believer in orthomolecular psychiatry and a holistic approach in my opinion is of paramount importance. A combination of Western medicine, talk therapy and co-treatment by a competent practitioner of Eastern medicine, including acupuncture (know to help with anxiety, depression, addiction and other brain disorders) along with proper diet is in my humble opinion the gold standard treatment. The problem is it requires a strong commitment and compliance on the part o the patient and parts of the treatment might not be covered by insurance. There are a lot of conditions that Western medicine is well suited for, but for many conditions an Easter medicine and holistic approach is more efficacious. Often, a combination of both is best. Psychotropic drugs are toxic (some more than others) and must be approached with respect and much caution. In some cases, many will attest that it saved their lives. And it is true. However, a holistic approach will very often allow the dosages of the psychotropic medicine to be titrated to a much lower dosage (still clinically relevant) under the supervision of a MD. --- Now back to interior design. I rather not comment on Prince and Princes Michael as role models but the Princess has great taste in interior design. I loved how she decorated her apartment.

Sorry, I meant to say, "This blog is amazing..." I am not going to read the rest of my post for there might be no end to correcting my typos. I trust that despite typos an bad grammar, communication, which is the intent, is not diminished.

I wish I could "private message" AnonymousJanuary 3, 2018 at 2:40 PM. I do get exactly how you feel and experience with regards to your husband's behavior. It can be hellish, not just for your husband, but for the loved ones he lives with. I have not experienced personally your distress over such condition but I want to say again that I can truly empathize. There is help...

To Anonymous January 3, 2018 at 9:30 PM. Professionally (with psychotherapy). I am passed retirement age but only recently retired to be more available to my 98 1/2 yo mom who passed Dec 20th. I am still being very gentle with myself for her rapid decline and death has been emotionally and physically hard on me. IT was more difficult because my husband who is always supportive and helps me with the household has been sick and still not able to be as active as he usually is. He is slowly getting better. Mom was a wonderful woman and an unbelievably good mom. I was never ready to let her go. But life is made of hellos and good byes. It is only a matter of whom departs first. It was much easier for her that she went first. I am her only child and I think she feared dying alone. I was with her until her last breath. I will always miss her. I have never met a most gentle and kind person. All who knew her loved and admired her. Poise and elegance combined with genuine kindness is very attractive. My grief is normal and I am not going to hurry it. There is a difference between being sad and depressed. I am very sad but I make sure to enjoy from time to time things I have always enjoyed in my spare time: reading the news, movies, opera and this blog.

I'm not stopping anyone saying what they want to about Meghan. I kind of agree with a lot of what was said. I have questions about her too. And the way it was stated - it made sense. Although I do think someone of it is typical fandom hate. For instance - I seriously doubt she stuck her tongue out = probably she was just licking her lips or something like that. Unless there is video that shows it was deliberate - and if so, maybe it was playful.

It does make you wonder about her father living in poverty while the dress she wore for the engagement photos costs from 50,000 to 75,000 depending on what you read. She probably just borrowed it anyway.

And yes, I do wonder about the marriage breaking up because of distance and then the distance overseas was ok. But, it's been said she actually had an affair and that's why broke up.

I didn't believe her when she said she didn't know anything about Harry - and asked was he nice? Come on. Everyone on this earth knows about Harry!!

Still, I think she looks pretty and seems like a breath of fresh air to the family. She does seem to have nice manners and has a lovely smile. Harry seems very happy, as she does. She seems nice and sweet and not too spoiled. I just pray it works out.

@Anonymous 2:49, the interesting thing about the internet is that evidence suggests that someone has been scrubbing some of the more unflattering details and photos of her over the last few months. I wish people WOULD do more research. She is not the virtuous do-gooder who is going to save Harry and the world like she pretends to be.

Anon 4:33You don't really know how to look for stuff then, because it's almost impossible for stuff to be "scrubbed." It may not be on one site that it was, but it will always be found somewhere else. You just have to know how to look for stuff, and it's not that difficult.

To Anonymous, January 2, 2018 at 3:13 who asked whether MM's father lives in poverty. According to a few articles, he has filed for bankruptcy in California last year due to credit card debts. He has also been involved in four legal claims for unpaid tax bills during the past 20 years. A reader in this blog criticized MM for not helping her father financially while wearing a $75,000 (or something like that) dress. What I have to say about this is that money does not solve money problems. People who cannot manage money will not change their spending ways when financially "rescued." I do not think she is letting him go hungry (that would be a different matter) for he does have retirement income and lives in a resort in Mexico where many Americans go (or mostly used to go) so that their $$$ buys them a more comfortable life. BTW, he won over $700,000 in a lottery in the distant past. I understand the psychological need to bash MM in so many different ways, from criticizing her family to the way she curtsy the queen recently. The truth of the matter is that the history of the British royal family from times immemorial to most recently has a more troubled past from having wives's head chopped to the sordid details of the tapes detailing the late night conversation between Charles and his mistress.

Everything Letty said.Plus, people file for bankruptcy all the time and it doesn't really mean they don't have any money. It's a bit of a scam.People who can't handle money and don't understand how it works, can't really be helped. Re my silly girl friend, artist-type, who always says "It's only paper." She spends every penny she gets as soon as it hits her hot little hands, a lot of it on stupid stuff.Then she complains again about not having any. Totally hopeless.Sheila

Really? Well it is fandom. After being in a few of them myself - like Twilight and Outlander - you start to realize they are all the same. there are the fans, the haters, the non believers. They are all the same.

There are STILL people who "know" "have secret sources" that told them that Kristen STewart and Rob Pattinson are married and have either 3 or 4 kids. snort. And intelligent people believe this!!!

In Outlander - there are fans who think Sam and Cait are secretly married, even though Cait just got engaged to her boyfriend of 4 years. Again - there are people who think Cait was lying when she said in a televised interview - with Sam right next to her agreeing - that she and Sam are just friends, not lovers.

And Meghan now has her "fans" who are haters. They hate everything about her. The tongue for instance. As if she stuck her tongue out maliciously. They hate everything she does.

BTW - that same group hate Kate too, but they probably like her now compared to Meghan.

read this article - it's about Benedict Cumberbatch - but it perfectly relates to every fandom out there.

Joni,Between the White House, Twilight stuff, and Brit stuff, I don't understand how you get all the normal activities of daily living accomplished. Also, I can see that you spend hours putting some of these posts together. How do you manage to clean your house, spend time with friends, go for walks, exercise, go to movies, shopping, and everything else people do?

You forgot to mention Outlander and Bravo. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I spend way too much time on the sofa myself with silly nonsense. Bloggers have the right to evolve their focus through the years certainly. Yes, we are seeing less of white slipcovers and sisal. This blog is unique, and I do feel like it's moving away somewhat from décor, but you can find that anywhere.

I can't not have slipcovers. I have pets! I don't understand how you can have two dogs and not have slipcovers. I have to wash mine every few months at least just from them walking by the chairs and sofa.

Oh no - I didn't mean that you were - I"m serious though. My slips get so dirty = just from dog oil = and I love that I can wash them and be clean - and i truly don't understand it. I don't think I will ever not have slips!!!! unless someone has an idea?

Well.....I always have my lap top open and I'm always reading something in it. I'm rarely just watching tv or just talking. I don't sleep a lot at night. Maybe 5 or six hours. And with Ben sick, I've been spending more time at home with him. And really, I've always been a researcher. I worked in the library at school like a nerd and I would sit in the magazine room and just read old issues of Life for hours. I spend a lot of time in my own head. I'm very shy and not a very social person. I would rather die than go to a party. lol. OK?

Dear Joni, not only are the most thorough and inspiring interior decorating blogger, you also are a saint! I have not witnessed a blogger—in any field—interact as patiently and graciously with readers, sans comment moderation. I remain in amazement of your talent and character.

OK, Joni, speaking of the Royals and your TV show obsessions (ha, ha!) I have a question for you to put your sleuthing skills to. In "The Crown", season 2, episode 4, where Princess Margaret meets Anthony Armstrong-Jones at a friend's dinner party, what is the wall color in the dining room? I NEED it!

So enjoyed this post. I was never fascinated with Princess Diana but after becoming obsessed with the Crown, I am much more interested in the entire family. That Meghan is darling, she will certainly be fun to watch! Happy New Year Joanie!!

Another wonderful post, one of my favorites! Thank you very much for all of the research and lovely photographs. I love the before - and -afters. The royal family never fails to intrigue and that is especially true of Princess Diana. It is such a treat to see how they live(d). Thank you!

Joni--I have a few points/corrections to add, purely in the spirit of collaboration! This was a terrific post. First, the configuration of apartments 8 & 9 aren't actually what are circled (in yellow) on the aerial view: Apartment 9 was/is not the block to the west of 8, but the long (laid out like a narrow row house) segment between the two courtyards south of Apartment 8--behind the old back door and "new" front door. In Burrell's book he states that when you came to the top of the staircase, Charles's study was directly ahead, and to the left was a smaller lobby through which you entered the bedroom suite. So, in the picture of William in the courtyard with the athletes, the windows above the arcade to the right open from the long hallway Burrell describes that had Diana's closet, bedroom, etc. opening off of, which was made narrower by the wardrobes against the wall for her extra clothes storage, and where Diana would walk every evening and close the blinds herself, to keep people from the other side of the courtyard from looking in. (Also, her dressing room and bedroom windows looked onto the other courtyard, and another chronicler stated that Diana would spy into the Kents' apartment with her opera glasses!) In the still of a turbaned man entering Diana's old study, the door in the distance behind him is the doorway to the small lobby that led to the bedroom suite. And I can solve the "mystery of the adjoining library". It wasn't a library: It was the kitchen! (That must be why it has shelving in it.) In Burrell's book, I was surprised to read that the kitchen was on the main level, and not on the first/ground floor, and he states it was behind the dining room and butler's pantry, across a small hall that led from the door in the drawing room (the one to the left of the fireplace). I really appreciated your post and all the work that went into it, and I just wanted to add a few helpful bits of further intel!

This comment was really enlightening!I had always thought the main staircase opened onto the rear courtyard, straight on from the front door downstairs. Now to find out it is to the side and onto the other courtyard. What I still can't work out though is if, on the main floor, there was a corridor of any kind separating Charles' old study and the main drawing room that brought you to the Dining Room (and separated it from the kitchen) of if the dining room was accessed only through the drawing room. This would also raise the question of if there was an *third* staircase to service the kitchen/pantry or if groceries, staff, etc. had to schlep up the main stair and through the study or drawing room to get to the kitchen. Also what is/was on the ground floor on the side below the dining room and kitchen?

Well Joni, as many questions as your WONDERFUL article answered, as with all things royal, it also raised many more. Thank you for it!!!

It's still a mystery what's between the drawing room and Charles's study: a corridor and/or closet or maybe even back stairs, down or up (to the children's suite). An old, not terribly accurate map that comes up when you Google apartments 8 and 9 shows that space as a hallway, apparently once connected by a dog-legged portion through the drawing room's SE corner to the hallway behind the dining room-- perhaps (as Joni's latest post shows, during the Lady Granville era) when the drawing room was a library, having that corner cut out wouldn't have been so jarring. Anyway, that old map indicates that the space between the drawing room and Charles's study naturally terminating at the kitchen wall, at what (at least once) was a large corner chimney block. Family members and guests had to traverse the drawing room to get to the dining room, so there definitely was a back staircase that led up from the ground floor. Again, the old map shows another staircase in the extreme SW corner of apartment 8, so I think it's probably generally accurate, in terms of its location. Of course there was a third staircase in the apartment 9 section, which meant no one had to go through two exterior doors to proceed from one ground floor to another; it's located in the last bay or NE corner of apartment 9.

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